Recommended Weight Distribution System for Aluminum Trailer Carrying Various Weights

Question:

I am buying an aluminum 16 Ft. 3 horse trailer that weighs 3000 lbs. Most of the time it will be used to haul two horses which would put the total weight to 5500 lbs and sometime three horses which would put the total weight at 6400 lbs. Which weight distribution hitch would work best? I also would like it to have sway control.

asked by: Lori F

Expert Reply:

Before you purchase a weight distribution you need to make sure the trailer manufacturer recommends using a system on the trailer. A lot of aluminum trailers cannot bear the stress a weight distribution system puts on the frame like steel trailers can.

If a weight distribution system can be used with the trailer the challenge you have is finding a system that will work for the various weights you'll be towing. To choose a correctly weighted system you need to find the tongue weight of the trailer while it's being towed and add that to the amount of weight added behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. One way to be able to adjust the system for various weights is to purchase the system along with replacement springs bars that can be changed based on how heavy the trailer is.

The majority of the time the trailer will be loaded with 2 horses and weight approximately 5,500 pounds. A trailer's tongue weight should fall between 10 to 15 percent of its total weight so in this case between 550 to 825 pounds. Factor in some weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and it's likely a system rated for 1,000 pounds is what you need. Of course you'll want to check your trailer's tongue weight to be sure this is accurate.

If it is you can use the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000 is a 1,000 pound system with sway control. In addition the replacement bars for other weights are available. When you add the third horse you can replace the spring bars with # FA92-01-1299 that are rated up to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. Also, when towing the trailer empty you may not need the system at all but if you do there are 600 pound bars, # FA92-01-0699.

The Fastway e2 does not include a hitch ball so you'll need to add one. Use # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch ball or # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch.

I've linked a video on the Fastway e2, as well as a couple of articles on weight distribution and tongue weight you may find helpful.